Achieve straight teeth 3-4x faster with Wilckodontics accelerated orthodontics. Dr. Chanook David Ahn is one of only a few certified Wilckodontics periodontists in Orange County, using advanced piezoelectric bone surgery to dramatically reduce your time in braces or aligners. Just 15 minutes from Huntington Beach.
Wilckodontics, formally known as Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics (AOO), is a patented periodontal surgical technique that dramatically accelerates the rate at which teeth move during orthodontic treatment. Developed by periodontist Dr. Thomas Wilcko and orthodontist Dr. William Wilcko, the procedure involves selective alveolar decortication of the bone surrounding the teeth, combined with bone grafting material, to trigger a powerful natural healing response called the Regional Acceleratory Phenomenon, or RAP. This biological cascade temporarily demineralizes the alveolar bone, making it more pliable and allowing teeth to move through it 3 to 4 times faster than with braces or aligners alone. The result is orthodontic treatment that can be completed in months rather than years.
At The Loft Dental Studio in Costa Mesa, Dr. Chanook David Ahn has been a certified Wilckodontics provider since 2016, making him one of only a handful of periodontists in all of Orange County trained and authorized to perform this specialized procedure. Unlike generic corticotomy-assisted orthodontics, true Wilckodontics follows a specific, research-backed protocol that combines the surgical decortication with particulate bone grafting to not only speed tooth movement but also thicken and strengthen the alveolar bone housing the teeth. This dual benefit sets Wilckodontics apart from other accelerated orthodontic approaches and provides patients with a more stable long-term result.
For Huntington Beach residents seeking faster orthodontic results, The Loft Dental Studio is conveniently located just 15 minutes away via the I-405 South freeway. Dr. Ahn works in close collaboration with orthodontists, including Dr. Yuliya Filipenka, to coordinate the surgical and orthodontic phases of treatment for optimal outcomes.
To understand why Wilckodontics is so effective, it helps to understand what normally limits orthodontic tooth movement. In traditional orthodontics, braces or aligners apply force to the teeth, which causes the bone on one side of the tooth root to resorb (break down) and new bone to form on the opposite side. This remodeling process is inherently slow because the alveolar bone is dense and mineralized. The rate at which bone can resorb and reform limits how quickly teeth can be moved, regardless of how much force the orthodontist applies. Applying excessive force does not speed up movement; it causes root resorption and tissue damage.
During the Wilckodontics procedure, Dr. Ahn elevates the gum tissue to access the underlying alveolar bone. He then performs selective decortication, which involves creating precise, shallow cuts and perforations in the outer layer (cortical plate) of the bone surrounding the teeth that need to be moved. These controlled micro-injuries signal the body to initiate the Regional Acceleratory Phenomenon, a well-documented biological healing response in which the body dramatically increases blood flow, cellular activity, and bone turnover at the surgical site. The result is a temporary window of 4 to 6 months during which the bone surrounding the teeth is significantly less dense and more responsive to orthodontic forces.
Dr. Ahn performs the decortication using piezoelectric surgical instruments rather than traditional rotary burs or drills. Piezoelectric instruments use ultrasonic vibrations that cut bone precisely while leaving soft tissues such as nerves, blood vessels, and the Schneiderian membrane completely unharmed. This technology provides several important advantages: more precise and controlled bone cuts, significantly less post-operative swelling and pain, reduced risk of damage to tooth roots and adjacent structures, and faster healing compared to conventional rotary instruments. The piezoelectric approach represents the current gold standard in bone surgery and reflects Dr. Ahn's commitment to using the most advanced, tissue-sparing techniques available.
What distinguishes true Wilckodontics from simple corticotomy-assisted orthodontics is the addition of particulate bone graft material over the decorticated bone surfaces. After completing the decortication, Dr. Ahn places allograft bone granules over the treated areas. As the RAP response heals the surgical site and the teeth move into their new positions, this graft material integrates with the patient's natural bone, resulting in a thicker, stronger alveolar ridge. This is particularly beneficial for patients who have thin bone or bony dehiscences (areas where the bone does not fully cover the tooth roots), which are common in adults. The bone grafting component not only supports the accelerated movement but also creates a more robust bony housing that helps prevent orthodontic relapse.
The RAP Window: The Regional Acceleratory Phenomenon creates a temporary biological window lasting approximately 4 to 6 months after surgery, during which bone turnover is dramatically elevated. During this critical period, the orthodontist adjusts braces or changes aligners more frequently, typically every 1 to 2 weeks instead of every 4 to 6 weeks, to maximize the rate of tooth movement while the bone is most responsive. Precise coordination between the periodontist and orthodontist is essential to take full advantage of this window.
The following comparison illustrates the key differences between Wilckodontics accelerated orthodontics and conventional orthodontic treatment. For many adult patients, the significant reduction in treatment time and the added bone-strengthening benefits make Wilckodontics a compelling option.
Wilckodontics is designed primarily for adult patients and older teenagers who want to significantly reduce their time in orthodontic treatment. Dr. Ahn evaluates each patient individually using clinical examination, digital X-rays, and CBCT 3D imaging to determine candidacy. The following are common profiles of Wilckodontics patients near Huntington Beach.
Patients with active, uncontrolled periodontal disease must have their gum disease treated and stabilized before Wilckodontics can be performed. Patients with certain systemic conditions that impair bone healing, uncontrolled diabetes, heavy smoking, or those taking medications that affect bone metabolism (such as bisphosphonates) may not be ideal candidates. Dr. Ahn performs a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether Wilckodontics is appropriate for each individual patient.
Wilckodontics is a team approach that requires close coordination between the periodontist who performs the surgery and the orthodontist who manages the tooth movement. At The Loft Dental Studio, Dr. Ahn collaborates directly with orthodontist Dr. Yuliya Filipenka to plan and execute every Wilckodontics case. This in-house coordination ensures that the surgical timing, the orthodontic force levels, and the adjustment schedule are all optimized to take maximum advantage of the RAP window.
The typical Wilckodontics treatment sequence involves the orthodontist placing braces or initiating aligner treatment first, followed by the Wilckodontics surgery performed by Dr. Ahn approximately 1 to 2 weeks later. Dr. Filipenka then adjusts the orthodontic appliances on an accelerated schedule, typically every 1 to 2 weeks, during the 4 to 6 month RAP window. This coordinated approach ensures that the biological window of accelerated bone turnover is fully utilized for maximum tooth movement efficiency.
Wilckodontics is not simply cutting bone to make teeth move faster. It is a carefully orchestrated biological process that harnesses the body's own healing capacity. The precision of the decortication pattern, the quality and placement of the bone graft, and the timing of orthodontic adjustments all determine the success of the outcome. As a certified Wilckodontics provider since 2016, I have refined this technique using piezoelectric instruments that are far gentler on the tissues than traditional rotary instruments. The piezoelectric approach allows me to create precise decortication patterns without risk of thermal damage to the bone or injury to adjacent tooth roots. When combined with PRF therapy for accelerated healing and coordinated orthodontic management with Dr. Filipenka, the results are consistently excellent, with patients completing their orthodontic treatment in a fraction of the usual time while actually gaining bone thickness rather than losing it.
Your Wilckodontics journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation by Dr. Ahn. This includes a clinical examination of your teeth, gums, and bone levels, along with CBCT 3D imaging that provides a detailed view of your alveolar bone thickness, root positions, and overall skeletal anatomy. Dr. Ahn reviews the orthodontic treatment plan with Dr. Filipenka to determine the optimal surgical approach and timing. You receive a detailed explanation of the procedure, expected timeline, costs, and what to expect during recovery.
Before the surgery, your orthodontist places braces or begins your aligner treatment. This initial phase typically lasts 1 to 2 weeks and allows the orthodontic system to be in place and ready to begin moving teeth immediately after the surgical procedure activates the RAP response.
The surgery is performed under local anesthesia with optional IV sedation or nitrous oxide for comfort. Dr. Ahn elevates the gum tissue on the facial (outer) side of the jaw, and in some cases the lingual (inner) side as well, to access the alveolar bone. Using piezoelectric instruments, he performs selective decortication by creating precise cuts and perforations in the cortical bone between and around the tooth roots. The pattern of decortication is customized to each patient based on the specific teeth that need to be moved and the direction of desired movement. After decortication is complete, particulate allograft bone is placed over the treated surfaces, and PRF membranes derived from the patient's own blood are applied to accelerate healing. The gum tissue is then repositioned and sutured.
Within days of the surgery, the RAP response begins. The orthodontist increases the frequency of adjustments to every 1 to 2 weeks to capitalize on the accelerated bone turnover. Patients notice that their teeth are moving noticeably faster than they would with orthodontics alone. This accelerated phase lasts approximately 4 to 6 months, during which the majority of the tooth movement is accomplished.
Once the teeth have reached their desired positions, the orthodontic appliances are removed and retainers are placed. The bone graft material has integrated with the natural bone by this point, providing a thicker, more supportive alveolar ridge. While retainer wear is still important, the enhanced bone support created by the Wilckodontics procedure may contribute to improved long-term stability.
Recovery from the Wilckodontics procedure is manageable, and most patients return to work and normal activities within a few days. The use of piezoelectric instruments and PRF therapy contributes to a more comfortable recovery compared to older decortication techniques.
Find out if Wilckodontics accelerated orthodontics can cut your treatment time by half or more. Dr. Ahn provides a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan for patients near Huntington Beach.
Call (714) 549-7030The cost of Wilckodontics depends on the number of arches treated (upper, lower, or both), the number of teeth involved, and the complexity of the case. At The Loft Dental Studio, we provide a detailed cost breakdown after your consultation so you can make an informed decision.
Some PPO dental insurance plans may partially cover the bone grafting component of the Wilckodontics procedure. The orthodontic treatment fees are billed separately by the orthodontist and may have separate insurance coverage under orthodontic benefits. Our administrative team verifies your benefits before treatment so you understand your out-of-pocket costs. The Loft Dental Studio offers financing through CareCredit with low-interest and interest-free payment plans, and we accept FSA and HSA funds.
PPO Plans We Accept: Delta Dental, Cigna, MetLife, Guardian, Aetna, United Healthcare, and Blue Cross Blue Shield.
The Loft Dental Studio is conveniently located in the South Coast Metro area of Costa Mesa, just 15 minutes from Huntington Beach. Our office at 3151 Airway Ave, Suite F-103 is easily accessible via the I-405 freeway.
From Huntington Beach: Take I-405 South toward Irvine. Exit at Fairview Road and turn left (south) onto Fairview Road. Continue on Fairview Road to Airway Avenue and turn right. The Loft Dental Studio is located at 3151 Airway Ave, Suite F-103. The drive is approximately 15 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Free parking is available on site.
Wilckodontics, also called Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics (AOO), is a patented surgical technique that dramatically speeds up orthodontic tooth movement. A board-certified periodontist performs selective alveolar decortication, which involves making precise micro-incisions in the bone surrounding the teeth, combined with bone grafting. This triggers a natural healing response called the Regional Acceleratory Phenomenon (RAP), which temporarily softens the bone and allows teeth to move 3 to 4 times faster than with traditional orthodontics alone. The procedure was developed by Drs. Thomas and William Wilcko and requires specific certification for periodontists to perform it.
Wilckodontics achieves orthodontic tooth movement that is 3 to 4 times faster than conventional braces or aligners alone. Treatment that would typically take 18 to 24 months with traditional orthodontics can often be completed in 6 to 8 months with Wilckodontics. Some cases involving moderate crowding or spacing can be finished in as little as 4 to 6 months. The accelerated movement window created by the RAP response lasts approximately 4 to 6 months after the surgical procedure, during which the orthodontist adjusts the braces or aligners more frequently to take full advantage of the faster movement.
The Wilckodontics procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and IV sedation or nitrous oxide is available for additional comfort. Dr. Ahn uses piezoelectric instruments rather than traditional rotary drills, which are gentler on the bone and surrounding tissues, resulting in less post-operative swelling and discomfort. Most patients describe the recovery as comparable to having a wisdom tooth removed. Over-the-counter ibuprofen typically manages any discomfort after the first 2 to 3 days. PRF therapy derived from the patient's own blood is applied to the surgical sites to accelerate healing and reduce inflammation.
The periodontal surgical component of Wilckodontics typically ranges from $3,000 to $7,000 depending on the number of arches treated and the complexity of the case. This is in addition to the orthodontic treatment fees charged by your orthodontist. While the combined cost is higher than orthodontics alone, the dramatically shorter treatment time is a significant benefit for many patients. Some PPO dental insurance plans may cover a portion of the bone grafting component. The Loft Dental Studio offers financing through CareCredit and accepts FSA and HSA funds. A detailed cost estimate is provided after your consultation.
Good candidates for Wilckodontics include adults and older teens who need orthodontic treatment and want to significantly reduce their time in braces or aligners. Ideal candidates include working professionals who want faster results, adults returning to orthodontic treatment after relapse, patients with moderate to severe crowding, patients with open bites or deep bites, patients preparing for restorative or cosmetic dental work, and anyone who wants to minimize the duration of orthodontic treatment. Candidates should be in good general health with healthy gums. Patients with uncontrolled periodontal disease must have that treated first. Dr. Ahn evaluates each patient individually with a CBCT 3D scan to determine candidacy.
Yes, Wilckodontics works with both traditional braces and clear aligner systems such as Invisalign. The surgical procedure performed by Dr. Ahn creates the biological conditions for accelerated tooth movement, and the orthodontist then uses either braces or aligners to guide the teeth into their desired positions. At The Loft Dental Studio, Dr. Ahn collaborates directly with orthodontist Dr. Yuliya Filipenka to coordinate the surgical timing with the orthodontic treatment plan. In most cases, braces or aligners are placed first, and the Wilckodontics surgery is performed shortly after to initiate the accelerated movement phase.